RS News

KABUL, Afghanistan (Oct. 16, 2012) — The following statistics are the latest facts on the status of Afghan National Security Forces.

Afghan National Security Forces: 337,187 of 352,000 (96%) in uniform

Today, three-quarters of the uniformed defenders of this country are Afghans.

o Afghan Surge (Dec 09 to Oct 12): 195,508 to 337,187 (+140,679); more than four times the U.S. surge of 30,000 troops in the same period.

o Afghanistan has recruited all 187,000 Soldiers and all 157,000 Police—new recruits are awaiting call-up to training centers.

o Afghan National Army: 184,676 of 187,000 (99%); 100% inducted by December 2012; trained, equipped, and fielded by December 2013.

§ In 2012, the Army averaged 243 killed and wounded per month.

§ The Army has met all recruitment goals.

§ For Soldiers, 62% re-enlist, above the goal of 60%.

§ Attrition stands at 27% this year, as compared to 31% last year. The goal is to keep attrition below 16.8% annually.

o Afghan National Police: 146,339 of 157,000 (93%); 100% inducted by February 2013; trained, equipped, and fielded by December 2013.

§ In 2012, the Police averaged 292 killed and wounded per month.

§ The Police have met all recruitment goals. § For Police, 63% re-enlist, above the goal of 60%. § Police attrition stands at 15% this year, as compared to 18% last year. The goal is to keep attrition below 16.8% annually. o Afghan Air Force: 6,172 of 8,000 (77%); inducted by December 2014; ready by Dec 2017.

§ In 2012, the Air Force averaged 2 killed and wounded per month.

§ The Air Force has met all recruitment goals.

§ For Airmen, 81% re-enlist, above the goal of 60%. § Air Force attrition stands at 14% this year, as compared to 18% last year. The goal is to keep attrition below 16.8% annually.

4. Literacy training is required for all illiterate Afghan recruits; up to 85% arrive unable to read and write. After four weeks, up to 90% of these former illiterates graduate reading at the first-third grade levels. This “Afghan G.I. Bill” is a huge incentive for recruiting and reenlistment.